Assamese literature in no way inferior to world literature: Yese Dorje Thongsi

From a Correspondent

Goalpara, Oct 22: “The quality of Assamese literature is not less than world literature,” remarked Sahitya Akademi award winner Yese Dorje Thongsi while attending as the chief guest at the iugural function of Goalpara Book Fair on Saturday.

“I realize this whenever I read different Assamese stories, poems and articles,” he added while speaking at the tiol Book Trust sponsored book fair. He further cited the translation works of Nirupama Borgohain and expressed satisfaction that these had taken Assamese literature closer to the world readers.

Commenting on Goalparia folk song by Pratima Baruah Pandey, Thongsi fondly observed that it was popular among different ethnic tribes of the Northeast, even among those who do not understand its meaning. The popular author also expressed his long-pending desire to visit Goalpara. In his speech, Thongsi did not forget to thank Rita Choudhury and lavished praise on her pivotal role in leading NBT as chairperson.

Earlier, Yese Dorje Thongsi was felicitated by Goalpara Sahitya Sabha, Goalpara College and Sadou Asom Lekhika Somaroh.

Among the others who also graced  and spoke on the occasion were Farokh Alom, Deputy Commissioner in-charge, BK th, former director, Higher Education, Ajit Barman, president, All Assam Book Sellers and Publishers and Amiyo Kr. Boro, Principal, Goalpara College. Deep Saikia, editor, Assamese translation of NBT, smoothly anchored the programme and Dr. Siddhi Sarma gave the vote of thanks. 

The nine-day book fair at Goalpara College field will dedicate every day in memory of some distinguished local persolities like Bollywood actor Asraful Hoque, artist Anukul Thakur, Jiten Deka and many others. A rally to mark the iugural session was taken out in the morning which was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner in-charge, Farokh Alom.